Rudyard Kipling

Limits and Renewals

The Disciple

HE that hath a Gospel.
  To loose upon Mankind.
Though he serve it utterly—
  Body, soul, and mind—
Though he go to Calvary
  Daily for its gain—
It is His Disciple
  Shall make his labour vain.

He that bath a Gospel.
  For all earth to own—
Though he etch it on the steel.
  Or carve it on the stone—
Not to be misdoubted
  Through the after-days—
It is His Disciple
  Shall read it many ways.

It is His Disciple
  (Ere Those Bones are dust)
Who shall change the Charter
  Who shall split the Trust—
Amplify distinctions.
  Rationalise the Claim.
Preaching that the Master
  Would have done the same.

It is His Disciple
  Who shall tell us how
Much the Master would have scrapped
  Had he lived till now—
What he would have modified
  Of what he said before—
It is His Disciple
  Shall do this and more...

He that hath a Gospel
  Whereby Heaven is won
(Carpenter, or Cameleer.
  Or Maya’s dreaming son).
Many swords shall pierce Him.
  Mingling blood with gall;
But His Own Disciple
  Shall wound Him worst of all!

Last updated on Mon Mar 30 13:26:36 2009 for eBooks@Adelaide.